HCM CITY — New 3D books for children, issued by foreign publishing houses, are now available at bookstores around the country. 

Books on nature and wild animals, such as Khủng Long (Dinosaur), Animal Kingdom and ABC Fruits, are aimed at children between 6 and 13 years old.

Leading Vietnamese publishers, including the Phụ Nữ (Women) Publishing House, the Fine Arts Publishing House and the Thanh Niên (Youth) Publishing House, have worked with their foreign partners to sign a copyright deal to republish the books in both Vietnamese and English.  

“I like reading 3D books because their colourful, lively pictures can help me improve my imagination. I can also improve my English after reading,” said Nguyễn Trang Anh, a sixthgrader at the Việt Nam-Australia International School.  

Anh likes Animal Kingdom and ABC Fruits, two of the first books in Việt Nam that require the use of 3D glasses.

Anh downloaded an app to read the books on her tablet and cellphone, using 3D glasses.

“Reading books using 3D glasses is wonderful. I can see animal characters move, run, sing and scream,” she said.    

Most 3D books on the market include stories of friendship, love and dreams, written with typical flair and imagination.

For summer, publishing houses plan to increase the number of books in both bookstores and on the website, and improve the website’s design to make it more appealing to young readers.   

“My mom bought me two 3D books without glasses because they were cheaper than those with 3D glasses. I hope publishers can reduce the price,” said Trần Hoàng, a first-grader at Trần Văn Ơn School in District 1.

A 3D book sells for VNĐ150,000 (US$6.7) to 200,000 ($9) depending on size and page number. Books with glasses can cost an additional VNĐ70,000 ($3).

Some bookstores offer free glasses for books bought online.

“3D books help children fall in love with reading and studying foreign languages. Selling 3D books is a promising trade,” said a representative of the Phụ Nữ Publishing House. — VNS